Don’t answer with one word or one sentence. If the examiner asks you a question in the present simple, first answer in the present simple. Then, surprise him or her by using an example in the past simple or the future… or even a conditional!

2) In the listening exam: Practice BEFORE the exam without headphones!

It is very different listening to the audios through your headphones to listening to it out loud. Make sure you practice without headphones to get used to it.

3) In the writing exam: Use short sentences and connectors.

Communication is always better when it is short, clear and precise. Do use some relative clauses but don’t write ridiculously never-ending sentences. You can link your sentences together with connectors such as “However”, “Moreover” etc.

4) In the reading exam: Read the question before the text.

That way you read the text intelligently, knowing what you are looking for. You will save time.

Enjoy these 4 tips, and remember: Practice, practice and more practice!

I love playing tennis. In fact, yesterday I played tennis with my best friend.

You can also impress the examiner with this:

If I had more time I would read more (second conditional, points, points, points).

I used to play the piano but now I don’t have time (“Used to” – more points).

So, don’t panic. You are not being marked for what you do but for how you say what you do. Keep it simple and learn the structures. And… enjoy! Go and watch a good film in English – with subtitles if you must. Make English one of your hobbies and all this will be easier! ;).

Student: Yes, yes, I used to… Ah no… I USUALLY go out with my friends!!

Teacher: Hehe, that’s right. Now, tell me something you USED TO do.

Student: AH, used to is like “solía”, isn’t it?

Teacher: Not exactly. It’s: “Antes era/hacía/decía etc”. For example: I used to be fat. This example doesn’t work with “solía”.

Student: AH, that’s true! OK, so, I used to be shy, and I didn’t used to go out very much. Now, I am very sociable and I USUALLY go out EVERY weekend!

Teacher: Fantastic! Now, tell me. Are you used to speaking English?

Student: Did I used to? Well, a little, at school. I didn’t SPEAK it very much, but I studied it.

Teacher: This is a different meaning of “Used to”. I am asking you if you are accustomed to speaking English.

Student: AH! Of course!! Yes, I suppose I am used to speak English… or at least, I am getting used to speak English – I am becoming accustomed. I have class every day, and I practice with my English-speaking friends once a week!

Teacher: Great! Just one correction. When we use “To be used to” as “To be accustomed”, or “Get used to” as “To become accustomed”, it is always followed by the gerund: I am used to speaking English.

Student: OK, perfect! I am used to English being confusing :P.I have got used to practicing a lot and being patient!!!

When we talk about activities we like, love or enjoy doing we should use the gerund:

I like going out with my friends on Christmas Eve.

I love spending time with my family at Christmas.

I enjoy opening all my presents and watching my family open theirs!

Finally, a silly fact. It is often said that Santa Claus is red because of Coca Cola. While there is some truth in that, the colours are also said to be inspired by the original Saint Nicholas, who was the Bishop of Myra in the 4th Century. Red and white were the colours of traditional bishop robes.

So, have you been good this year? Will Santa Claus come down the chimney to visit you, or will it be the Three Wise Men brining your presents? 😛

If so, don’t panic! There are three changes to the exam, and they are all positive!

1) The exam will be 30 minutes shorter than the current one.

2) The exam will have 4 papers, instead of 5!

3) The Reading and Use of English papers will now be combined!

The Reading and Use of English will last 1 hour and 15 minutes. It shows that you can understand texts from publications such as books, magazines and newspapers. It also tests your general language knowledge.

The Writing will last 1 hour and 20 minutes. It shows you can write different text types such as an essay, a report or a letter.

The Listening will last 40 minutes. It shows that you can follow a range of spoken materials, such as news and everyday conversations.

The Speaking will last 14 minutes. It shows you can communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You take this part of the test with one or two other candidates.

You will receive a separate grade for each of the four skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing), and the Use of English. The scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam.

Now, to destroy a myth: the Cambridge FCE does not expire! Yes, a company or an educational institution may ask for a more recent certificate if you passed the exam more than 2 years ago, but there is no expiry date on the certificate – it’s for life.

Please, thank you, you’re welcome. Not at all. Please. Thank you so much…

Yes. The British are a nation of intense politeness. While in Spain we say:

“Give me a coffee”. In the UK they say: “Could I have a coffee please?”

Or:

“Put me some toast”, compared to: “May I have some toast, please?”

Here are 5 keys to British politeness:

1) Don’t get too close

British people need their space. Don’t stand too close to them or touch them while you are speaking. When you meet them, shake hands. After that, it’s a pat on the back, hug, or one kiss on the cheek if you haven’t seen them for a while. If you see them regularly, a nod and a smile is enough.

2) Ask indirect question using modal verbs.

Compare: “What is the time?” To: “Could you tell me what the time is please?”